By Boineelo Molebiemang

Taung-The Greater Taung Local Municipality pleaded with the people of Taung and the neighbouring areas to come together and celebrate the passing of the former president Nelson Mandela. 

A memorial service was held on Tuesday at Mmabana Taung on Tuesday to pay tribute to the world icon Mandela who passed away last week Thursday.

The death of Mandela left the people of Taung and other areas in a sombre mood. People were singing and blowing whistles while re-collecting and thanking Mandela for everything he did for the people of South Africa. 

“I lost a teacher, a commander of Umkhondo Wesizwe, a liberator, a peacemaker and a father” said a member of Umkhondo Wesizwe military and veteran association Mr Sipho Dynamite.

He said that South Africa will never be the same without Mandela, however, he will always be revered for his brave fight against apartheid. 

The Mayor of Greater Taung local municipality, Mr Kaone Lebelo described Mandela as an icon, a hero and a forefather of the liberation. Mr Lebelo said he saw it fit that the people of Taung come together and share what they know about Mandela. 

“Mandela means a lot to me and his passing affected me because South Africa is what it is today because of the choices he made. He encountered a number of challenges that surpasses any other leader” Lobelo said. 

The Mayor said he will employ himself and his team by making sure that the legacy of Nelson Mandela carries on. 

Lobelo said they will take over from where Mandela has left off by providing for the children and elderly people of Taung.

Dr Nelson Mandela will be buried at Qunu village in Easten Cape where he was born back then.

The funeral will take place on Sunday and almost 70 Head of State ascended in the country to pay their last tribute to the world icon, Nelson Mandela.-TDN

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